Ashish Gupta

A corporate division of Mohammed Al Hashemi Enterprises, UAE proud partner of top
international brands in International fashion and luxury segments. Major brands
Portfolio includes Suitsupply, Seraphine, LE66, Panco, MOA, List etc.
•Scripted the financial turnaround by debt restructuring by negotiation with the bank among the COVID crisis and arrive at long term payment plan to generate the cash flow for the existing business and smooth functioning.
•Negotiated rentals with flexible payment terms with major malls in the country to the optimum levels to safeguard company from high cash flow burden and high cost to create space for the business.
•Negotiated with brands on the terms of business considering the business conditions in the market including payments deferments, new payment terms, margins, marketing support etc.
•Actively involved in Capex negotiation for company’s retail infrastructure among various locations saving thousands of dirhams while maintaining standards and quality.
•Played Key role in revamping company’s retail business with new business strategies including marketing, incentive policies, brand visibility and re-engagement with loyal customers
•Monthly MIS of the Group with bird eye analysis to identify the prospective potential in business, resolving business problems and strategic planning to achieve business targets.
•Implementation of Microsoft NAV Dynamics ERP system, setting up of business processes and inventory control.
•Active involvement in business decisions among all segments of business which includes Retail and Distribution, Commercial and Retail real estate and F&B divisions.
•Handled Audits for the Group both Statutory and Internal audits as per guidelines of the board.
•Implementation and Compliance of VAT among Group entities.

A Leading ISO Certified IT System Integrator and well-known IT Company

•Worked as

One of the leading retailers in the Middle East and Far East, operating some of the world’s best-known brands to the highest standards such as Forever 21, Cotton On, Woolworths, Sanrio etc. as well as bringing unique brands to the market such as Sharaf DG, Adventure HQ and Hello Kitty SPA.

•Worked as Finance Manager at Head office located in Dubai for all the retail group 22 companies situated across 13 countries in Middle east and far east. Managed to get statutory audit and consolidation done as per group guidelines with in required time frame by liaison with Big 4 Audit firms across the globe and internal team members.
• Managed the finance function of the Fashion Retail division successfully with having full control on the transactions and approvals comprising of more than 100 stores worldwide covering more than One Million Sq. ft. area.
•Arranged the working capital finance with the local and international banks as per company requirements on very competitive terms, saving more than AED One Million per annum on sustainable basis through negotiation of interest rates, introduction of new facilities and through savings in currency exchange rates to improve cash flows and reducing finance costs for the company.
•Monthly Management reporting system and highlighting to management key areas to focus to optimize business resources. This includes store wise P&L, Stock Ageing, nonperforming business units, alternative measures to transform the business units or recommendation for closure/revival.
•Identified Key areas of cost control and successfully negotiated and implemented which translated into sustainable savings of more than AED 500K per year in various operational areas,
•Successfully handled India branch operations of the Brand “Forever 21” Store achieving 27% YOY Growth in Sales and EBIDTA doubled on yearly basis. Key measures taken for streamlining inventory process ensured the goods are available in time and better negotiation with vendors for the rates.
•Tax Compliance of various countries including India, Oman, Singapore, Indonesia & Thailand in terms of Corporate Tax, VAT and Sales Tax.

Market Leaders in distribution, licencing and promotion of entertainment products which includes theatrical releases of motion pictures, non-theatrical releases of motion pictures and music into various formats like Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and audio CDs as well as gaming products. Major Studios as business partner were Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, BBC etc.

•Responsible for overall finance and accounts functions for Head Office located in UAE as well as branches situated across GCC.
•Successfully conclude the external audits from the franchisors such as Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney, and Universal Pictures.
•Responsible for reporting of royalties’ statements based on franchise agreement to major principals and direct liaison with them for all related issues including payments.
•Head for MIS for the company and active member of review committee to assess the performance of business units in terms of sales achievement, stock holding and receivables.
•Successfully implemented ERP system Focus to improve the MIS and operational efficiency.

One of the leading copper wire manufacturing unit based in Nepal with capacity of over 12, 000 MT of various sizes of industrial copper wires.

•Responsible for overall handling of manufacturing unit as well as for finance and accounts functions.
•Negotiation with suppliers for copper scrap and cathodes for the procurement.
•Banking arrangements and cash flow management for the unit.
•Projects approvals from Nepal Govt. and Customs Clearances